Functional object - Portable cycle carbide lamp, Powell & Hanmer, Birmingham, c 1920

Historical information

This is a removable bicycle lantern probably dating from the first half of the 20th Century. It is a carbide lamp which was a popular form of lighting, particularly in rural areas.

Significance

This item has no known local provenance but is retained as it is a good example of an early bicycle lamp.

Physical description

This is a brass and steel bicycle lamp. It has a circular glass front, a mechanism for attaching the lamp to the bicycle, a lighting adjustable wick and two glass panels on the side, one green and one red. There is a label with the manufacturer's name on the side.

Inscriptions & markings

POWELL & HANMER
"KINGFISHER"
MAKERS, BIRMINGHAM

Back to top